CFTC to Host Cryptocurrency CEO Forum to Discuss Digital Asset Market Pilot Program

Maple Finance announced on April 20th that all USDT supplied by syrupUSDT on Aave Mantle has been withdrawn. Additionally, syrupUSDC and syrupUSDT are not affected by the rsETH vulnerability.

On April 20, Polygon officials noted that they’ve been closely monitoring the rsETH exploit. Neither the Polygon Chain, Aggregator Layer, nor the broader ecosystem—including Katana and Vaultbridge—was affected by the incident. Polygon has facilitated over $2 trillion in secure transfers to date and will continue to closely monitor developments.

**US-Iran Tensions Fluctuate Amid Conflicting Talks Claims, Military Interception** (April 20, U.S. Eastern Time) — Volatility marked U.S.-Iran relations Thursday as the two sides clashed over planned negotiations and the U.S. military intercepted an Iranian vessel in the Gulf region. ### Negotiation Dispute - President Donald Trump announced a U.S. representative would arrive in Islamabad, Pakistan, Thursday evening to join U.S.-Iran talks set for April 21. - Iran immediately denied the claim, calling reports of a "second round of talks" untrue and warning the negotiation outlook was uncertain. ### Military Incident - Earlier Thursday, the U.S. military attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, forcing it to turn back. Trump said U.S. Marines seized control of the ship, which was attempting to break a U.S. blockade. - Iran responded by warning it was prepared for renewed hostilities, adding that if fighting resumed, the U.S. would face an "unforgettable hellish moment."

On April 20, EtherFi officially announced that its Protocol Treasury was unaffected by the Kelp rsETH incident—Treasury users will not incur any financial losses. Further details are coming soon, as the team reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding user funds.

April 20 — U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is negotiating with the U.S. over potential financial support if a possible war with Iran throws the oil-rich Gulf state into crisis. Last week, UAE Central Bank Governor Al Barami met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and officials from the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve in Washington, where he proposed a currency swap. The UAE emphasized it has not yet faced the conflict’s most severe economic impacts but may still need financial assistance. The UAE has not formally requested the swap. The measure would let the UAE central bank access U.S. dollars at low cost to support its currency or boost foreign exchange reserves during a liquidity crunch. U.S. officials characterized the proposal as preliminary and precautionary in recent discussions.

Local time April 19 — Rezaee Kouchi, chairman of Iran’s Parliament Civil Engineering Committee, announced Monday that Iran has drafted a comprehensive law governing the Strait of Hormuz, with the legislation set to be finalized imminently. Key provisions of the proposed law include: - A ban on the passage of goods and vessels linked to the Israeli regime through the strait; - Prohibition of war-torn countries from transiting the strait without prior approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council; - A transit ban for any country that harms Iran, until the nation pays required compensation; - Mandatory transit fees in Iranian Rial for foreign vessels, with 30% of revenue earmarked for strengthening Iran’s armed forces and 70% for improving public livelihoods. The report was filed by Jinse.